Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 15:13, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.
American Standard Version
A glad heart maketh a cheerful countenance; But by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken.
World English Bible version
A glad heart makes a cheerful face; but an aching heart breaks the spirit.
Proverbs 15:13 Meaning & Commentary
A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed. – Proverbs 15:13 (ESV)
Sometimes we can look at someone who is struggling and going through a hard time in life and not even know it. People get very good at hiding their pain, shame, and brokenness. Unless you actually sit down and talk with someone, you may never know the baggage and hurt they carry. However, what is not easy to hide is joy, happiness, or, as Proverbs 15:13 says, “a glad heart.” This verse tells us that a glad heart makes a cheerful face. In other words, joy and happiness are visible to other people! In Christ, we are filled with joy:
1 Peter 1:8 – Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory.. Our lives are supposed to represent God to others, and what better way than radiating incredible joy? We do not need to “try” to express joy or happiness – it simply shines out of us when we have it inside of us.
The second part of Proverbs 15:13 says, “by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed.” We are a spirit who has a soul and lives in a body. Our spirit man is who we really are and where God comes to dwell with us. When we go through testing times in life and experience pain and sorrow, it can have a crushing effect on our lives. Our spirits feel ‘suppressed,’ and we cannot truly express who we are in Christ.
The Bible asks the question – who can bear a crushed spirit? Our spirits can endure sickness, but when our spirits are crushed, we battle even just to exist: Proverbs 18:15 – A man’s spirit will endure sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear?
Application
How can we apply Proverbs 15:13 to our lives?
If we are walking with God and are filled with his joy and even his love, we need to let it shine forth! The Bible likens us to a city on a hill: Matthew 5:14-16 – You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Therefore, we need to “shine for Jesus” and let others see the light of God in our lives. Additionally, we need to understand that the people we encounter could have crushed spirits, and we need to be kind, gentle, and always ready and willing to share the love of God with those around us. Furthermore, we need to protect and guard ourselves against a crushed spirit. How do we do this? The Bible says that the ‘cause’ of a crushed spirit is a sorrowful heart. Therefore, we must not allow our hearts to become filled with sorrow.
Jesus encouraged us not to be discouraged and let the world get us down: John 16:33 – I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. Therefore, we ultimately guard our hearts against sorrow by knowing God, His Word, and who we are in Christ. This does not mean that we will experience no sorrow whatsoever in this world.
However, it does mean that in Christ – we always have victory. Even in death, we have victory – and everything works out for our Good if we are walking with God: Romans 8:28 – And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
Prayer
Mighty God, I thank You for Your Word, which is a lamp unto my feet. I thank You for the joy you have placed inside me and ask that You even increase it today.
Help me to show forth Your love to others – especially those who need it. I thank You for the victory in Jesus Christ and that although sorrow is a part of life, I can press ahead and through everything because You have overcome the world. I pray this all in Jesus’ name. Amen!
